The seat of Hawkesbury is currently occupied by MP Ray Williams, who will run for Castle Hill.

Mr Bassett lost to Mr Perrottet 54 to 62.

Cr Taylor won 38 to 8 against University of Notre Dame lecturer, Dr Steven Treloar.

“With a 38 to eight result, Mark [Taylor] can rest assured that he has the backing of the entire party,” one local party official said.

In his acceptance speech, Cr Taylor said Seven Hills would likely become the party’s new ‘‘litmus test’’ seat and given former former Toongabbie MP Nathan Rees had announced his retirement, the lack of an incumbent would mean the party has a solid chance of victory.

He reminded party supporters that the area west of Old Windsor Road had not been represented by a Liberal MP since 1962.

Cr Taylor has strong ties with the area.

He was born in Eucalyptus Street, Toongabbie, and played sports at Max Ruddock Reserve for the Winston Hills Bears as a teenager.

His wife is a local schoolteacher.

■ The NSW Liberal Party State Executive is expected to ratify the endorsement before Easter.